Timothy M. O'Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, has announced the sentencing of Jerry Tate, a 52-year-old resident of Beloit, Wisconsin. Tate received a 5 ½ year federal prison sentence from Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson for distributing fentanyl and possessing over 50 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tate entered a guilty plea to these charges on October 28, 2024.
The case details reveal that from September 2022 through May 2023, Tate traveled to La Crosse County, Wisconsin, staying at various hotels for extended periods. During this time, he engaged in selling methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant (CI). Over five controlled purchases, he sold more than 33 grams of fentanyl and over 13 grams of methamphetamine to the CI. On May 5, 2023, law enforcement officials arrested Tate in Onalaska, Wisconsin. A search of his hotel room uncovered over 100 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with drug distribution paraphernalia and more than $1,500 in cash.
Following his arrest for trafficking fentanyl while out on bond for state charges, Tate was apprehended again for continuing his trafficking activities. At sentencing, Judge Peterson emphasized that a significant sentence was necessary due to the prolonged nature of Tate's trafficking operations and the known dangers associated with fentanyl. The judge also highlighted that the quantities involved exceeded what would be expected if Tate were only supporting his substance abuse habits and pointed out his criminal history indicating a risk of reoffending.
The investigation leading to these charges was conducted by several law enforcement agencies including the La Crosse Police Department, Campbell Police Department, Onalaska Police Department, and La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted the case.
